@jane, thanks for the link, I had read a similar article around Wimbledon where he talked about the letdown he felt after the FO. Not easy to be so honest, but I’m glad he seems to feel more secure about what he’s accomplished this year. Also very positive about what happened in DC final and it seems that there is some more perspective a year later

I really love the relationship b/w him and Novak. They play this epic match that Nole wanted to win so badly, but they both say it brought them closer together. Hard to imagine talking to your friend about beating/losing to him in a grand slam final, but it seems to work for them.

Politely disagree with Emily and Jane,and i hope neither will hate me for saying this?but IMO Stan and i will include Andy in this too,as both need to be alot less friendly,and alot more ruthless,and alot less apologetic towards their rivals about their success, if they want to join the company of the other three elite players,my two cents,i will dive now for cover….

I’m with you, Gypsy @8:04 am. It took Stan far too long to bring his best level. He doesn’t have the luxury of time to lose getting too cozy with any of them. Andy? Suspect he’ll get more focused after DC final.

Also hope Kei is at 100% – it will kill me to watch him completely strike out in London. Maybe he can pull off another win v Berdych?

gypsy, i didn’t say anything to disagree with, unless you meant that the article i linked for emily is not a “nice” one.

but since we’re on the topic, imo, stan doesn’t let his friendship with novak affect his performance on court vs him. the proof is in the french open win. but in fact, stan’s had some of his very best slam matches against novak – at the AO, USO and FO.

as far as andy goes, his issue, to me, is more to do with himself. he berates himself and gets a little too mentally distracted during matches. he needs to rein that in. he seems to be looking forward to mauresmo’s return based on an article i read where he talks about changing things up and adding back variety. for sure, that solid backing off court usually affects on court results. but even with that in mind, he’s still had one of his most consistent years.

Jane no you misunderstood me,it was a nice link,and because it was i didnt want you thinking i was just been argumentative for the sake of it,i just dont think friendships and on court success go together,but thats JMO….